GENEVA, MARCH 11 – The Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Marie Sol Fulci, took the floor today at the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders, in the framework of the 49th session of the Human Rights Council.
“We reiterate our full commitment for the promotion of the rights of human rights defenders as well as their protection from any act of intimidation or reprisal, which was also one of Italy’s priorities under its last mandate within the Human Rights Council”, the Deputy Permanent Representative stated, adding that the findings of the report of the Special Rapporteur, also regarding the use of intimidations and reprisals against human rights defenders fighting corruption, “confirm the need to continue to work to create a safe and enabling environment in which human rights defenders and all other civil society actors can operate free from hindrance”.
Deputy PR Fulci underlined that Human rights defenders and other civil society actors play a crucial role in combating corruption, a global threat challenging our societies and economies, having a negative impact also on the enjoyment of human rights.
Finally she echoed the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations that States must ensure that all human rights defenders, including those fighting corruption, are adequately protected.
Read the full statement here. (@OnuItalia)
